Rep. Mary Franson (08B) – Legislative Update

As you might recall during the 2013 Legislative Session, Democrats voted to put a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot for 2016 to set up an independent Legislative Salary Council to make decisions about raising legislator pay. On Thursday, Democrats put forward legislation that makes no reference to this council in the amendment’s title in an effort to hide what this proposed constitutional amendment would actually do. I voted against this attempt to deceive voters about raising legislator pay.

Today, the House passed legislation that would essentially legalize marijuana for medical purposes. While I certainly sympathize with those experiencing pain, I voted against this bill because it could be ripe for abuse should it become law and lacks proper protections for patients regarding the long-term impact of the use of marijuana.

This bill was one of several health-related bills on the floor this session. At each turn, Democrats have blocked any attempt by Republicans to put forward amendments relating to MNsure – the Minnesota arm of Obamacare – by claiming they weren’t “germane” (meaning relevant) to the bill on the floor. Last year, Democrats couldn’t wait to implement Obamacare in Minnesota. Now, they don’t even want to talk about it.

What a difference a year makes.

As always, you can send me an e-mail at Rep.Mary.Franson@House.MN or call my office at 651-296-3201. You can also send mail to my office address: 211 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.